Seeking Hard-Working, Dedicated Problem-Solvers
Field Civil Engineer in Rwanda
Innovation: Africa
Background
Innovation: Africa (iA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose team of dedicated problem solvers work together to bring solar and water technologies to rural communities in Africa in need living in rural African villages. We use solar energy to pump clean water and provide schools, orphanages, and medical clinics with light and refrigeration to store vaccines and medicines. iA has completed over 600 solar, water, and agricultural projects, providing light, clean water, food and proper medical care to more than 3 million people in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly trained and qualified individual to join our Rwanda team as a Field Civil Engineer. This position works under the supervision of the local Project Manager and is responsible for overseeing iA’s solar water pumping systems, technical implementation, liaison with local solar water contractors and in-house engineers, as well as providing technical support in all sites post completion ensuring that all projects meet iA standard and structural integrity. The Field Civil Engineer will also be responsible for all iA field activities, including identifying and selecting the beneficiaries of our projects, actively engaging in community mobilization and sensitization, establishing and maintaining regular communication with the communities we serve, implementing project-related activities, providing regular reports and ongoing monitoring of the projects. As this is predominantly in-the-field work, candidates should expect frequent travel to the field to identify new projects, oversee the construction and implementation of ongoing projects, and monitor completed projects.
Reports To
Local Project Manager & Country Director in Israel
Responsibilities
- Oversee all field operations related to solar powered water projects, including prospective project search, project construction/implementation, and monitoring and evaluation
- Work closely with the local contractor to plan and design all solar water pumping systems, blueprints and implement all civil construction works
- Where relevant, work closely with the local contractor to plan, design and implement drip irrigation systems
- Oversee technical implementation of all water systems and serve as technical point person for all system designs, water tower construction works, water distribution point construction, structural design analysis and checking materials used during construction
- Manage on-site work during all stages of the system construction and installation
- Independently assess needs for maintenance work (post-installation) in projects where a malfunction exists
- Maintain regular contact with Innovation: Africa’s engineers in Israel to successfully implement and monitor new solar technologies and remote monitoring systems
- Continually monitor the progress of ongoing field installation and maintenance activities
- Conduct community technical trainings and sensitization to all iA water and drip system beneficiaries on water management for water and agricultural use
- Appropriately sensitize the communities we work with, including establishing project steering committees to maintain the project
- Support the Project Manager to manage relationships with municipal officers, local leaders, and international stakeholders
- Send daily updates and regular progress reports to international management team regarding prospective projects, construction and implementation of current projects, and monitor existing projects
- Research and implementation of best construction practices and equipment in all iA projects
Qualifications
The ideal candidate is a dedicated team-player with strong interpersonal skills and a background in solar powered water systems. Applicants must have competitive experience in community development and mobilization, as well as experience working with international stakeholders. The candidate must demonstrate a proven passion for working with the community and possess strong detail orientation and problem-solving skills.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree or professional diploma in Civil Engineering or closely related field with an emphasis on water projects
- 5 years’ experience working with a structural engineering company with vast experience in construction works
- Experience supervising civil works in NGO community development projects
- Ability to design systems using various design applications; e.g. AutoCAD
- Technologically oriented with excellent computer skills, including proficiency in email and Microsoft Office software
- Driver’s license
- Ability to commit to flexible working hours
- High proficiency in English; both writing and speaking
- Ability start in October 2022
- Able to speak the local languages
As an international organization, our team works in New York, Israel, and Africa, and is constantly on the move. To maintain close contact despite our travel schedules, we regularly use technology solutions, such as WhatsApp and Skype. The ideal candidate thrives in this type of fast-paced environment and is comfortable working with colleagues in different time zones and continents.
Application Instructions
Please send your cover letter and CV as a single PDF attachment to rw.civil@innovation-africa.odoo.com . The file name should be saved as your full name and please specify which job position you are applying for in the subject line of the email.
